Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556304) - 2020 - CRC - 5/10/19
Driving and Operating 175
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be on and the brake pedal
must be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) :When the
vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0179.
Automatic Transmission
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display a
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition
system will turn OFF.
Manual Transmission
If the vehicle is stationary, the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0179. Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0192.{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold ENGINE START/
STOP for longer than two seconds,
or press twice within five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light) : This mode allows
the use of some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after
five minutes to prevent battery
rundown.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 177
If there is no RKE transmitter in
the vehicle or if there is
something causing interference
with it, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display a
message.
2. When the engine begins cranking, let go of the button
and the engine cranks
automatically until it starts.
If the battery in the RKE
transmitter is weak, the DIC will
display a message. The vehicle
can still be driven.
See “Starting the Vehicle with a
Low Transmitter Battery” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 08. If the
RKE transmitter battery is
dead, insert it into the rear
cupholder to enable engine
starting.
3. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts. 4. If the engine does not start and
no DIC message is displayed,
wait 15 seconds before trying
again to let the cranking motor
cool down.
If the engine does not start
after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor while cranking for up
to 15 seconds maximum. Wait
at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the
engine starts, let go of the
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again,
repeat these steps. This clears
the extra gasoline from the
engine.Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
Stopping the Engine
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, move the shift lever to
P (Park) and press and hold
ENGINE START/STOP on the
instrument panel, until the engine
shuts off. If the shift lever is not in
P (Park), the engine shuts off and
the ignition goes to ACC/
ACCESSORY. The DIC displays
SHIFT TO PARK. Once the shift
lever is moved to P (Park), the
vehicle turns off.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before getting out of
the vehicle, shift to 1 (First) or
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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178 Driving and Operating
R (Reverse) and apply the parking
brake. Then turn off the ignition off
by pressing ENGINE START/STOP
and release the clutch pedal when
the engine has stopped.
If the RKE transmitter is not
detected inside the vehicle when it
is turned off the DIC displays a
message.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
If equipped, the engine heater can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up. Plug in the
coolant heater at least four hours before starting the vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug end
of the cord will prevent engine
heater operation at temperatures
above
−18 °C (0 °F).
Using the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
The electrical cord is on the
passenger side of the engine
compartment, next to the
engine compartment fuse
block. Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
(Continued)
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 183
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
SeeShifting Into Park 0179 and
Engine Exhaust 0182. If the vehicle
has a manual transmission, see
Parking (Manual Transmission)
0 181.Automatic
Transmission
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays the current range selected
in the lower right corner. If Manual
Mode is active, M and the current
gear selected is displayed. The DIC
also displays the currently selected
Drive Mode. When Tour Mode is
selected, T is displayed. When
Sport Mode is selected, S is
displayed and if equipped Track
Mode, Tr will be displayed.
P : This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting
the engine because the vehicle
cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park 0179.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. The regular brake must be
fully applied first and then the shift
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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184 Driving and Operating
lever button must be pressed before
shifting from P (Park) when the
ignition is on. If you cannot shift out
of P (Park), ease pressure on the
shift lever, then push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then
press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another
gear. SeeShifting out of Park 0180.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0169. N :
In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
Powertrain Braking
When driving on steep descents
with the shift lever in D (Drive)
where frequent braking is required,
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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186 Driving and Operating
DSC allows shifting an automatic
transmission similar to a manual
transmission. To use the DSC
feature:1. Move the shift lever to the left from D (Drive) into the side
gate marked with +/−.
2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward to
downshift.
While using the DSC feature, the
vehicle will have firmer, quicker
shifting. You can use this for sport
driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear
longer, or to downshift for more
power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (rpm). The
transmission will not automatically
shift to the next lower gear if the
engine rpm is too high, nor to the
next higher gear when the maximum
engine rpm is reached. While in the DSC mode, the
transmission will automatically
downshift as the vehicle comes to a
stop. This will allow for more power
during take-off.
Tap Shift
Tap Shift allows you to manually
control the automatic transmission.
To use Tap Shift, the shift lever must
be in DSC mode. Vehicles with this
feature have indicators on the
steering wheel. The paddles are on
the back of the steering wheel. Tap
the left paddle (−) to downshift, and
the right paddle (+) to upshift. TheDriver Information Center (DIC)
display indicates the gear the
vehicle is in.
Holding the left paddle for an
extended time will downshift the
transmission to the lowest
available gear.
While in Manual Mode, the
transmission will prevent shifting to
a lower gear if the engine speed is
too high. If the tap down
−(Minus)
paddle is held while the vehicle
slows down, the M in the DIC will
flash, and the downshift will be
allowed when vehicle speed is low
enough. Continuing to hold the tap
down −(Minus) paddle will not
cause the transmission to continue
downshifting. Each downshift must
be requested separately by
releasing and reapplying the tap
down −(Minus) paddle.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
Vehicles equipped with a Head-Up
Display (HUD) may also have
performance shift timing lights
across the top of the display.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 187
The rows of lights get closer
together as the maximum shift point
gets closer. Shift the transmission
before the lights come together in
the display. Shift immediately if the
lights are flashing.
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) 0120.
Temporary Tap Shift Mode allows
brief entry into Tap Shift Mode while
in D (Drive). Tapping either the
upshift or downshift control will
place the transmission in Tap Shift
Mode. Exit Tap Shift Mode by
holding the upshift control for
two seconds. The system will return
to automatic shifting after
seven seconds of driving at a
steady speed, or when the vehicle
comes to a stop.
This may be used for sport driving
or when climbing or descending
hills, to stay in gear longer, or to
downshift for more power or engine
braking. The transmission will only
allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute
(rpm). The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next higher gear if the engine rpm is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any
reason, the gear displayed in the
DIC will blink several times,
indicating that the transmission has
not shifted gears. While in the Tap
Shift Mode, the transmission will not
automatically downshift on hard
acceleration.Manual Transmission
Shift Pattern
–V8 Engine
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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188 Driving and Operating
Shift Pattern–L4 and V6 Engines
These are the shift patterns for the
6-speed manual transmissions.
Caution
The message MANUAL
TRANSMISSION —RELEASE
CLUTCH PEDAL displays and a
chime sounds if the manual
transmission clutch pedal is
partially applied for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is
being driven. Driving with the
clutch pedal applied can reduce
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the life of the clutch and/or
damage it. Fully release the
clutch pedal after each gear
change.
Caution
The message REDUCED
PERFORMANCE—REDUCE
CLUTCH USE displays and
engine torque is momentarily
limited if excessive manual
transmission clutch slip is
detected while the clutch pedal is
fully released. This could be
caused by a hot clutch. Apply less
pressure on the accelerator pedal
when accelerating from a stop.
Also, fully release the accelerator
pedal during gear changes. This
will allow the clutch to cool and
should prevent further clutch slip
while the clutch pedal is fully
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
released. If this message displays
repeatedly, see your dealer.
Repeated clutch slip could cause
permanent damage.
Caution
The message TRANSMISSION IS
HOT—SLOW DOWN displays
and a chime sounds if the manual
transmission fluid is hot and
vehicle speed is high. Driving with
the manual transmission fluid
temperature high can damage the
vehicle. Drive at a slower speed
to cool the manual transmission
fluid. This message clears when
the vehicle has slowed sufficiently
or if the manual transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.